About The Health Beat

The Health Beat is your unbiased, scientific and clinical source of food, supplementation and disease prevention research., We strive to help you navigate the complicated diet and supplement world with ease, backed by published research and clinical experience. The focus of The Health Beat is to give you the latest cutting edge information on genetics, the microbiome, anti-aging, hormones, sports nutrition, cardiovascular health, mental health and supplement recommendations in a crowded market.

Contributing Writers

Alex J. SwansonFounderM.S Applied Nutrition

Alex Swanson is the founder of The Health Beat, Nutrition Genome and is the co-owner of Swanson Health Center. He is a second generation nutritionist with over 12 years of clinical experience, specializing in genetics, nutritional biochemistry, physical performance, mental health, and longevity research. Early in his career, Alex worked as a sports nutritionist for high school, college, professional and Olympic athletes, and specialized in genetic nutrition through the creation of the software Genetrition™. He has also worked as a personal trainer, private therapeutic chef, sustainable farmer, lecturer and consultant to numerous companies for product design and nutrition research. He received a post-bacc in Nutrition Sciences from Bastyr University in Washington state, a masters degree in Applied Nutrition and Business Entrepreneurship from Northeastern University, a Certificate in Methylation and Clinical Nutrigenomics, and a Certificate in Genetics and Genomics from Stanford University.

Alyssa Swanson EditorB.A English

Alyssa Swanson is a writer with two decades of experience in the fields of health and wellness. She has written for Delicious magazine, the Swanson Health Center website, blogs and other online publications. She graduated from UCLA with degrees in English and Creative Writing, and also holds a certification in technical writing. She loves nothing more than being at the forefront of new methods for healing the body, mind, and spirit, and is always the first to volunteer as the family guinea pig for new supplements and food plans. Alyssa is also Alex’s sister, both having grown up with a mom who has been a nutritionist for 40 years. She resides in Orange County, CA with her two sons, and is currently at work on a novel, as well as several blog posts for The Health Beat. When not writing or dreaming about writing, she can be found hiking and camping with her kids, communing with her animals, cooking lots of things with cauliflower and trying valiantly to keep things alive in her garden.

Marty Paradine M.Sc., MBA

As a Canadian, Marty is part of a public health system. Early on, he was discouraged by the lack of proactive thinking and preventative approaches applied to patients and clients under the current health model. To address this issue, Marty advocates at the government level for changes to the public health system, articulating that prevention can save billions of dollars in treatment. Additionally, he participates in a preventative health program where medical doctors, nurse practitioners and naturopathic doctors work in concert to improve client health through well researched supplementation that is justified by client health history and extensive bloodwork. This provides him with greater insight into interdisciplinary preventative approaches to health and nutrition. Marty worked with Alex Swanson (Nutrition Genome) to complete a nutritional genome analysis to further modify his lifestyle based on his genetics. The Nutrition Genome Analysis shed light on common conditions in his family such as Parkinson’s, heart attacks, irritable bowel syndrome and anxiety, further reinforcing his passion for preventative health approaches. Because of his genes, Marty knows his is predisposed towards these conditions, but as Alex Swanson puts it so eloquently, “genes are your blueprint but not your destiny.” The Nutrition Genome Report and consultation provided him with additional information to intentionally and beneficially influence his epigenome and mitigate the risk of developing these conditions. Post-consultation, Marty has continued working with Alex on alternative ways to address shortcomings in gene polymorphisms and in evaluating product formulations. An enhanced understanding of one’s own body is the first step to well-being, consequently, Marty is committed to distilling research findings into simple, actionable summaries that he can use and share with family and friends; expectantly aiding their understanding of their own bodies. Marty holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science in Renewable Energy, Master of Science in Business Administration and is a Certified Energy Manager. This diverse academic background demonstrates that he values the integration of different disciplines, and strongly believes that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to deal with complex problems and systems – such as the human body – in order to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities. Due to his arduous academic background, Marty has substantial experience in research and academic writing, and is committed to presenting information that is supported by peer-reviewed research in an objective manner.

Sarah Morgan, The Gene Queen, is known for her innovative ideas that connect science to everyday life in a way that impacts thousands. Sarah has a clinical practice in Denver, Colorado, that focuses on using food and nutrients to optimize gene expression and help individuals with complex health issues. She is also the author and founder of a children’s book and brand, “Buddies in My Belly: a Story About Probiotics.” Sarah is married to her best friend and champion, Matt, and finds her inspiration from her daughter, Madison. Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. She holds a Masters of Science in Functional Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. Sarah has worked in the health and nutrition field for the past 12 years helping individuals, communities and corporations to achieve their health and wellness goals. www.mygenequeen.com